What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation in joints. Inflammation is the protective response of the tissues of the body to irritation or injury. Arthritis results from damage to the joint coating called the articular cartilage. Each of the major joints of the body is coated with articular cartilage. It is a very smooth and resilient material which that can withstand surprisingly high stresses. Cartilage has neither nerve nor blood supply and is nourished primarily through the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint.
What are some of the types of arthritis?
There are many forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a localized form of arthritis that may affect only one or two joints in the body. This is basically a "wear and tear" phenomenon that can be aggravated by excessive weight or activity levels. Aging also plays a significant role in the development of primary osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis can result from trauma or childhood deformities.
Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can result in multiple joint involvement and can be quite debilitating. In these diseases, the articular cartilage is actually damaged by the disease process itself rather than by mechanical stress.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Regardless of the type of arthritis, the disease can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. In severe cases, the a patients' patient’s articular cartilage is worn so much that there is bone rubbing against bone. Since bone does contains nerves, this can be quite painful. Because of asymmetrical bone loss and large bone spurs that often result from this condition, significant deformity and loss of motion can result.
How is arthritis treated?
In the early stages, conservative medical treatment is indicated. Mobility and strengthening exercises as well as various types of anti-inflammatory medications can frequently keep a patient comfortable and functioning. However, when the arthritic condition no longer responds to these conservative methods, surgical intervention may be necessary.
What is total joint replacement?
Total joint surgery is designed to replace the damaged articular cartilage and any associated loss of bone structure. It is a highly effective means of eliminating pain, correcting deformity, and restoring mobility. The vast majority of patients who undergo total joint surgery have dramatic improvement within weeks of the surgery. As a rule, these patients can enjoy any activities (except running and jumping).
How long do joint implants last?
When joint replacement procedures were first performed in the early 1970s, it was thought that the average total joint implant would last approximately 10 years.
We now know that approximately 85% of the joint implants will last 20 years. Improvements in surgical technique, prosthetic designs, bearing surfaces, and fixation methods should increase the survival rate of these implants even longer.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/21/2005...#4544
